When choosing an apartment in Cyprus, the main parameters are: the location of the complex, the cost, the size of the apartment, the layout, the floor and the view from the window.
However, as practice shows, there is another important criterion for a comfortable life. The position of the windows in relation to the movement of the sun affects everything from the microclimate to the way you arrange your furniture. If you take this factor into account when choosing an apartment, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and get the accommodation you want with optimal parameters.
The advantages of a north-facing apartment
The main advantage of a north facing apartment in Cyprus is that it is cooler in the summer. In the unbearable heat of July or August, you will have a better microclimate than in an apartment in our southern neighbours. The direct rays of the scorching sun will bypass your windows, helping to maintain an acceptable temperature and humidity. It will be comfortable even without air conditioning.
In addition, lighting in a north-facing apartment is always even and not too intense. The bright sun will not be an unnecessary distraction. In these conditions, it is easier to create a subdued and comfortable environment.
Disadvantages of the north exposition
If the windows face north, the amount of daylight in the apartment is inevitably reduced, which is particularly noticeable in autumn and winter. It is beneficial for people to see sunlight as often as possible, as our eyes are better adapted to it. Vitamin D is also produced under the influence of ultraviolet rays. In the north, the lack of sunlight has to be replaced by artificial light, with its uneven intensity and flickering, which can lead to visual problems. Light also affects our mental state. Mood and performance deteriorate noticeably under artificial light, reducing vitality.
Living in an apartment in Cyprus that faces north in winter may not be very comfortable. Such an apartment will "cool down" faster at the end of sunny days and will not warm up sufficiently for at least 3-4 months. Moreover, if we are talking about secondary dwellings, such unpleasant moments as dampness and mould may appear. In new complexes, this problem will most likely not affect the owner.
Advantages of the south exposition
First of all, we can talk about high levels of sunlight during the day. Sunlight will fill your apartment for more time than on any other side. Secondly, the lower amount of electricity bills during the winter in Cyprus. The longer daylight hours allow you to use lighting and sometimes heating less frequently. If you live in a north-facing apartment in Cyprus in winter, you will probably switch on the lights at 4pm and on the south side at 5pm. Over the course of a month, the savings can add up to a tidy sum. Thirdly, if you choose a flat on the south side of the building, you can count on protection from damp and humidity, as well as the possibility of using solar energy.
The disadvantages of the south exposition
The main disadvantage of living on the south side in Cyprus is the heat and stuffy conditions during the summer season, when the heat of the sun's rays hits your apartment with a vengeance. This is particularly noticeable in small rooms and those above the third/fourth floor. It's impossible to ventilate these rooms in the heat, so the only way to protect yourself from the scorching rays is to use thick curtains (blackouts) and an air conditioner, which uses a lot of electricity and therefore costs a lot of money. It is also worth investing in a humidifier to keep your home dry during the heat of the day. You will also notice every speck of dust on your furniture. The sunny side may force you to change the way you arrange your furniture. The wall opposite the window is not suitable for a TV or computer because of the strong glare. Also, do not place upholstered furniture there - the upholstery will burn out quickly.
Choosing an alternative option
There is no doubt that it is not easy to determine the best option for buying a home in Cyprus. Both the north and the south have their advantages and disadvantages. However, as an alternative that combines different characteristics, it is worth considering the west and east sides. Statistically, most buyers consider windows facing these directions. East and south-east are often said to be the best options. However, it is impossible to make a specific recommendation, as everyone has different preferences.
To find the right one for you, study different layouts. Much depends on your lifestyle and the amount of time you spend in your home at different times of the day and year. If you are a "lark" and get up early, then you would prefer to buy an apartment in Cyprus on the eastern side, so that the sun's rays give you positive energy in the morning and you can admire the sunset while sitting in the kitchen in the evening. And if you're an owl, face west. The light will not come into your bed until midday, and after work you can keep the light on until the last rays of sunlight have not yet passed over the horizon. On the west side, it is a good idea to have a work room - an office or a student's room. It is not bad if the kitchen windows also face west or south-west. These rooms will stay lit longer in the afternoon than others. When buying a property in Cyprus, you should decide in advance on the functional purpose of the rooms and their orientation.
What else should you consider?
Apart from the side of the world, there are several other important factors to consider when buying a home in Cyprus. Consider the floor and the area. For example, a south-facing flat on the ground floor may be cooler and less lit because it is in the shade of trees. The shape of the room is also important: a south-facing room away from the window may be dark if it is an elongated penthouse with a balcony. The size and number of windows is also important. Wide panoramic windows or the presence of three 'sun doors' at the same time will provide a high level of illumination even in a north-facing flat. Sometimes these factors can turn the disadvantage of one side into an advantage and vice versa.
To understand which side is right for you, determine the scenarios of use of the dwelling, check with your biological clock. South is an excellent choice for lovers of warmth and light. North is for fans of coolness and romantic dusk. The optimal choice may be a flat that faces two directions at once: north and west or south and east. Such a compromise option balances the disadvantages of the different sides and creates the most favourable and comfortable living conditions. You will always be able to enjoy the sun in one corner of the apartment and be protected from the heat in the other.
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